Ryan Bader Officially Signs With Bellator

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One of the biggest free agents in MMA has finally inked his deal with a new promotion: Former top-five UFC light-heavyweight Ryan Bader has officially signed with Bellator.

Bader fought out his UFC contract in November when he beat Antonio Rogerio Nogueira by TKO. It was his second straight knockout victory, having beaten Ilir Latifi in September. He fell out of title contention earlier in 2016, when he suffered a brutal knockout loss to current top contender Anthony Johnson.

Back in February, UFC President Dana White commented on Bader’s free agency, saying that the UFC would not be matching Bellator’s offer and that he was well-aware that the top-five ranked heavyweight would be leaving the promotion.

“We knew he was going to go to Bellator the entire time,” White said. “I think Bellator is a good place for Ryan Bader.”

He reportedly signed a multi-fight contract. An opponent or date for Bader’s Bellator debut has yet to be announced.